It’s that time of year again! Though it’s only early April, parents everywhere are already beginning to compare summer camps and trying to decide between intensive Chinese camps, sailing camps in Hebei, wilderness camps at the Great Wall, and everything in between. Luckily, we do the work for you (again). Here’s the first batch of upcoming 2013 summer camps, with more to come as we hear of them.
Beijing Playhouse Kids Summer Theater Camp Beijing Playhouse’s theater camp with two goals: 1) learn theater; and 2) have fun. The summer camp concludes with a performance of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. Students take eight different classes throughout the day in acting, singing, dancing, prop making, scene painting, costume design, and more.
Who? Ages 6-14*
*Students 15-18 years of age can enroll in Beijing Playhouse’s theater junior internship program
When? July 1-13 (The audition/enrollment is on May 11 at 4pm and there’s a final performance on July 13 at 2pm.)
What time? Mon-Sat 9am-4pm
How much? RMB 6,500 (includes lunch)
Where? Daystar Academy
*Students 15-18 years of age can enroll in Beijing Playhouse’s theater junior internship program
When? July 1-13 (The audition/enrollment is on May 11 at 4pm and there’s a final performance on July 13 at 2pm.)
What time? Mon-Sat 9am-4pm
How much? RMB 6,500 (includes lunch)
Where? Daystar Academy
Other notes: Working English proficiency is required.
Contact: performance@beijingplayhouse.com or www.beijingplayhouse.com
Contact: performance@beijingplayhouse.com or www.beijingplayhouse.com
Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) Summer Camps
For the past six years, CISB has offered two summer camps open to all students in Beijing: the Kindergarten Creative Camp and the Summer Enrichment Camp. This year, there is also the CISB Discover Canada Summer Camp abroad.
1. Kindergarten Creative Camp
This program includes phonics/reading, creative English workshops, Chinese language and culture, arts and crafts, music, swimming, and physical education.
Who? Ages 18 months-6 years
When?
- Session 1: June 24-July 12 (three weeks)
- Session 2: July 1526 (two weeks)
- Session 3: July 29-August 9 (two weeks)
What time? Mon-Fri 8.30am-1pm (half day), Mon-Fri 8.30am-3.30pm (full day)
How much?
- Half day: RMB 3,800 (two weeks), RMB 5,700 (three weeks), RMB 7,600 (four weeks), or RMB 12,000 (seven weeks)
- Full day: RMB 6,000 (two weeks), RMB 9,000 (three weeks), RMB 12,000 (four weeks), or RMB 19,000 (seven weeks)
Where? Canadian International School of Beijing (Liangmaqiao Campus)
Other notes: The deadline to apply is May 31, with a 5% discount available if paid before April 15.
Contact: CISB Programs and Activities office (summeradmissions@cis-beijing.com or 6465 7788)
2. Summer Enrichment Camp
The Summer Enrichment Camp merges English and Chinese language classes, field trips, cultural activities and sports, allowing students to improve their language skills while enjoying their summer holidays. Activities include music, dance, kung fu, Lego Education, art, basketball, volleyball, swimming, ice skating, and badminton.
Who? Ages 6-15
When? Same as above
What time? Mon-Fri 8.30am-3.30pm
How much? RMB 7,000 (two weeks), RMB 10,500 (three weeks), RMB 14,000 (four weeks), or RMB 22,000 (seven weeks)
Where? Same as above
Other notes: Application deadline is same as above.
Contact: Same as above
3. Discover Canada Summer Camp
Participants will spend time perfecting their English while learning about Canadian culture, social, recreational and lifestyle activities.
Who? Age 5-15, accompanied by parents/guardians
When? June 28-July 11 or July 19 or Aug 1
How much? RMB 26,500 per person for twin room, RMB 25,700 per person for triple room, RMB 30,950 for single room. (Prices don’t include flights.)
Where? Toronto, Niagara Falls, Kingston, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and Victoria Island
Other notes: Deadline to apply is May 10 for first term and May 31 for second term.
Contact: Same as above
Global Track English Immersion Summer Camp Global Track hosts a Western-style English immersion summer camp with weekly themes ranging from marine biology to food. Classes are led by trained foreign teachers and activities include workshops, art classes, sports, field trips, and more. Meals are included.
Who? Ages 5-14
When? June 18-Agust 17 (Campers can register for one, two, or up to all six weeks.)
What time? Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
How much? RMB 2580/week
Where?
- Haidian: 1 Yangchun Guanghua Jiayuan, Wanliu Donglu, Haidian District
- Chaoyang: East gate of Beixiaohe Gongyuan, Wangjing Xilu, Chaoyang District
Other notes: Discounts available for early registration, groups, and those who sign up for multiple weeks of camp. There are no application deadlines, but several discounts carry an expiration date.
Contact: 8257 2550 (Wanliu), 5734 7085 (Wangjing)
i3 ArtStudio Summer Camp
This summer camp is designed for all the budding creatives out there, with oil painting, pottery, crafts, and animation. This year, the camp has expanded to eight sessions in total. The three themes are Colors of Creativity, Creating Your Favorite Character, and Producing Your Own Story.
Who? Ages 3-11
When?
- Session 1: June 24-28 (Colors of Creativity: Pottery and Chinese/oil painting)
- Session 2: July 1-5 (Creating Your Favorite Character: Crafts and pottery)
- Session 3: July 8-12 (Producing Your Own Story: Animation and crafts)
- Session 4: July 15-19 (Colors of Creativity: Chinese/oil painting and handicrafts)
- Session 5: July 22-26 (Creating Your Favorite Character: Crafts and pottery)
- Session 6: July 29-August 2 (Producing Your Own Story: Animation and crafts)
- Session 7: August 5-9 (Creating Your Favorite Character: Crafts and pottery)
- Session 8: August 12-16 (Producing Your Own Story: Animation and crafts)
What time? Mon-Fri 9.30am-12.30pm
How much? RMB 1,480/session
Where? i3 Art Studio
Other notes: The application deadline is August 10. An early bird discount of 10% is available for those who register before May 15.
Contact: 8591 3294, hi@i3-artstudio.com, www.i3-artstudio.com
Ivy Summer Camps 2013
1. 2013 Ivy Summer Chinese Immersion Program
This theme-based summer programs aims to fully immerse kids in Chinese with a combination of classroom learning, outdoor activities, and field trips. Teachers enforce a “Mandarin-only” policy with cultural lessons and activities integrated in the program. Other features include a low teacher/student ratio and native Chinese teachers with experience teaching at international schools.
Who? Ages 5-9
When?
- Session 1: July 1-12
- Session 2: July 15-26
- Session 3: July 29-August 9
What time? 9.15am-3pm
How much? RMB 5,600/session + RMB 300 enrolment fee (non-refundable, new students only). Price includes daily lunch, snacks, and weekly field trips; excludes accommodations and transportation.
Where? East Lake Villas, 35 Dongzhimen Waidajie, Dongcheng District
Other notes: School bus service available upon request. Various discounts available (early bird, sibling, alumni, and multi-session) – contact the school for details.
Contact: Contact lily.ray@ivygroup.org or call 8451 1380/81.
2. 2013 Ivy Academy Summer English Sprouts Program
Designed for young children, Ivy Academy’s English summer camp is an engaging language program led by certified Early Childhood Education teachers. Each session features unique themes and activities, including outdoor play, arts and science, swimming, and field-trips. Classes are divided into ages 2-4 and ages 3-6.
Who? Ages 2-6
When? See above
What time? TBA
How much? See above
Where? See above
Other notes: See above
Contact: See above
PEC English-Language Holiday Courses
For younger learners, Prestige Education Centre offers a summer program that blends language classes, arts and crafts, cultural lessons, and field trips in a 100 percent English environment. For older learners, the school has intense English reading and writing courses, with small classes to ensure maximum fun and learning.
Who? Ages 5-17
When? June 24-August 23
What time? 9.30am-3.30pm (full day), 9.30am-noon or 1-3.30pm (half day)
How much? RMB 6,900 (two weeks), RMB 9,900 (thee weeks), RMB 12,900 (four weeks), RMB 16,900 (six weeks. Lunch is included.
Where? Prestige Education Centre
Other notes: Early bird discount of 15% available if fees are paid in full before May 1, 10% if paid before May 20. Sibling discount of 5% also available (must sign up together). No application deadline, but spaces are limited.
Contact: 6432 2797 or pedcentre@163.com
Side by Side Summer Camps
Open to all, Side by Side’s summer camps are perfect for those with learning, behavior, communication, or emotional difficulties, students who have difficulties working with others, and students who may lack perseverance and time management.
The small teacher/student ratio (1:3) means lots of individual attention within a small group setting. The camps are also a good option for those learning English as a second or other language, those who require extra help in language development and communication skills, or those who just want to have some fun over the summer.
Skills developed include teamwork, language development, social interaction, confidence and self-esteem building, creativity, listening and following directions, relationship building, memory, fine and gross motor skills, planning, and more.
Weekly themes include Natural Disasters and Weird Weather, The Human Body, Inventor’s Corner, Science Fair, To Space and Beyond, Music and Movement, Be a Star! and Ancient Rome.
Who? Ages 6-12
When? June 10-August 9
What time? 1-4pm (optional lunch from noon to 1pm)
How much? RMB 1,500/week (optional lunch RMB 30/week)
Where? Side by Side
Other notes: Side by Side is also accepting clients for 1:1 music therapy and learning support over the summer, and can tailor individual programs for those with communication, behavior, learning or emotional difficulties.
Contact: info@sidebysidebeijing.com, www.sidebysidebeijing.com/summer-camps
That’s Mandarin Chinese Summer Camp 2013
This Chinese summer camp provides a safe and fun environment in which participants are grouped according to age and Chinese level. Programs include daily language classes (topic classes, cartoon classes, reading and writing classes) and cultural activities (tai chi, calligraphy, kite making, sightseeing).
This Chinese summer camp provides a safe and fun environment in which participants are grouped according to age and Chinese level. Programs include daily language classes (topic classes, cartoon classes, reading and writing classes) and cultural activities (tai chi, calligraphy, kite making, sightseeing).
Who? Ages 7-17
When? June 17-August 12
What time? Mon-Fri 9-11.45am (morning camp), Mon-Fri 9am-4pm (day camp). Full camp is full-time, with accommodations included and a minimum stay of one week.
How much? RMB 1,900 per week
Where? 1/F, Office Bldg B, Xinzhong Yuan, Xinzhong Jie, Dongcheng District
东城区新中街新中园写字楼B座1层
Contact: 5218 6432 (Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm), info@thatsmandarin.com, www.thatsmandarin.com/en/summer-camps-in-china
The Learning Center Summer Camps
Founded in 2004, Beijing’s only American-operated tutoring center offers summer programs for primary, middle, and high school students. The center features accredited teachers for all subjects, English immersion programs for students transferring to international or overseas schools, transition programs for students moving into middle and high school, one-on-one and group classes (maximum eight students), and more.
Who? Kids and teens in kindergarten through Grade 12
When? Mainly July and August
What time? 9am-noon (half day), 9am-4pm (full day)
How much? Weekly half day programs start at RMB 1,925.
Where? The Learning Center
Other notes: Early bird discounts available 30 days before the start of a camp. Sibling and group discounts also available.
Contact: registration@hyde-education.com, learningcenterbeijing@gmail.com, 8046 3886/7085, or www.thelearningcenter.cn
World Waldorf Camps 2013
Based in Shanghai, Waldorf Community Center holds annual summer camps near the Great Wall based on the Waldorf educational philosophy. There are three camps: World Waldorf Children’s Camp, World Waldorf Junior Camp, and World Waldorf Family Camp.
1. World Waldorf Children’s Camp
Lasting 11 days and accommodating 80-100 children, this camp is designed for both Waldorf students who want to continue their education over the summer and those who have never experienced Waldorf before. Kids are divided into groups of 10 by age and led by two counselors (one foreign and one Chinese). Activities include gymnastics, painting, storytelling, cooking sports, gardening, woodworking, and more.
Who? Chinese and expat kids aged 8-14
When? July 14-24 (World Waldorf Children’s Camp I), August 4-14 (World Waldorf Children’s Camp II)
What time? All day
How much? RMB 7,500 (regular participants), RMB 9,000 (new participants) + RMB 1,000 deposit
Where? Yue Garden Natural Resort next to Simatai Great Wall
Other notes: Enrolment deadline is April 30. Group discounts available for families who sign up at least eight kids at the same time.
Contact:
- Chinese participants: Contact Sunny (Xiong Yanhui) at 5671 9930, 189 3082 3379, or xiong.yanhui@waldorfcamp.org.
- Foreign participants: Contact Liva at 5671 9930, 158 0094 2934, or soloveja.liva@waldorfcamp.org.
2. World Waldorf Junior Camp
Designed for 40-60 teens, the World Waldorf Junior Camp lasts 11 days and aims to foster participants’ sense of social responsibility. As with the World Waldorf Children’s Camp, campers are divided into smaller groups and led by certified Waldorf teachers. Activities include building, gardening, working with natural materials, bothmer gymnastics, painting, drama, cooperative games, social work, and more. Activities will fit into the camp’s overall theme (e.g. local culture, nature, circus life).
Who? Chinese and expat kids aged 14-18
When? August 18-28
What time? All day
How much? RMB 6,500 (regular participants), RMB 7,500 (new participants) + RMB 1,000 deposit
Where? See above
Other notes: Enrolment deadline is May 31. Group discounts available for families who sign up at least eight teens at the same time.
Contact: See above
3. World Waldorf Family Camp
Want to get in on the fun too? You can with the World Waldorf Family Camp. Accommodating 20-30 families, this camp lasts five days and focuses on the foundations of early childhood education. Parents can gain a better understanding of their child’s development by learning new ways to play, nurture, and talk to them using Waldorf methods. All members of the family are welcome, including mothers, fathers, grandparents, and ayi.
Who? Families with children aged 0-7 years
When? TBA
What time? TBA
How much? TBA
Where? Organic Phoenix Farm, Beijing
Other notes: TBA
Contact: Stay tuned for more information at World Waldorf’s website.
Want to suggest a summer camp? Email the editor at sijiachen@beijing-kids.com.
Photo by dewittn (Flickr)
